The ongoing lockdown has changed how we view skincare for good. Due to the limited access to professional services, the onus of taking care of your skin has fallen on you. And this has indeed caused some anxiety as the stress of the lockdown combined with drastically changed routines can pose many challenges for your skin. From sun damage to dryness and tired-looking complexions, quarantining can be difficult on your skin. And, with the chances of visiting your favourite salon for a facial anytime soon seemingly low, you can turn to home remedies to deal with skin issues for the time being.
While DIY treatments take a while to show results, pairing them with quality products can help enhance the results and keep your skin healthy. Here are some natural remedies to help deal with lockdown skin problems...
Use aloe vera to tackle dehydration
Dehydrated skin lacks water. Continued stress and inadequate water consumption can weaken your skin’s lipid barrier, leading to moisture loss. Dry skin looks dull, tired, wrinkly and can lead to additional problems like itchiness and patchiness. Fix this by applying fresh aloe vera to your face. Ensure to cleanse your face with a gentle formula like the Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash, pat dry, and use the aloe gel twice a day for best results.
Use salt for exfoliation
Body care can often get ignored, lockdown or not. An essential step to include in your routine is exfoliation, as the accumulation of dead skin cells can lead to dryness, bumpy skin, ingrown hair and generally dull-looking skin. Mix some Epsom salt in a gel cleanser like the Pears Naturale Brightening Pomegranate Body Wash for a refreshing bathing experience!
Use tea tree oil to combat blemishes
Tea tree oil is an excellent ingredient to have on hand for skin emergencies. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help deal with a whole list of skin issues, particularly acne and skin infections. Use your face tools to massage the oil in or add a couple of drops of the same in a mattifying face mask like the Lakmé 9 to 5 Matte Moist Clay Face Mask to make the masking session even more beneficial.
Use coffee grounds to rejuvenate skin
Do not throw away the used up coffee grounds from your filter; instead, mix it up with some olive oil and apply it to your skin to wake it up! The compounds found in coffee have been known to reduce the appearance of cellulite, fight acne, and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Lightly dab on the mix without rubbing, leave for about 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Follow up with a sheet mask, preferably with a hydrating formula like the Pond’s Hydrating Dewy Radiant Skin, to counter any dryness caused due to the coffee grounds.
Use green tea to fight sun damage
If you have been skimping on the sunscreen while social distancing at home, chances are, you have already started to notice sun spots or hyperpigmentation. Grind up some green tea leaves and mix with honey to help alleviate sun-damaged, dry skin. You can also apply green tea bags to your sunspots to help fade them gradually. But regardless of what steps you take, make sure to wear sunscreen daily, preferably a lightweight formula like the Lakmé Sun Expert SPF 30 Ultra Matte Lotion.